upper bucks free press • march 2013 edition

March 2nd is the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. So we asked people, what’s your

favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Craig Farmer Quakertown

Green Eggs and Ham because it makes me laugh more than the other books. Laughter is the best medicine

and it chases the blues away.

I can really appreciate the humor in the Cat in the Hat, but I like The

Grinch Who Stole Christmas, too. It’s really hard to decide.

anethia Faltz Quakertown

Carvan BaCkus Quakertown

maria rupp Doylestown

Cat in the Hat made the biggest impression on me when I was a kid.

And the Grinch Who Stole Christmas reflects how life can be sometimes. So

it’s between those two books.

Spring is Nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!” - Robin Williams

I always liked Hop on Pop when I was a little girl and now I like to read it

with my son.

The cast of Bugsy Malone, Jr. takes a bow on stage at Pennridge North Middle School. The Drama Club recently performed two successful shows after hours of rehearsal. photo by andrea corradoser

2 • Upper Bucks Free Press • March 2013

Upper Bucks Community Events

March 1

Fundraiser at Wonderland Castle 5pm-10pm, 1030 North West End Blvd, Quakertown, (buffet from 5pm-8pm), lots of fun activities

March 2

Maple Sugar Festival 11am-1:30pm at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Soup Day 11am-2pm (or sold out), Dublin Fire Co, Rt 313 & Rickert Rd, homemade soups, also sandwiches/hot dogs available. Call 10am-12noon on Soup Day to order at 215-249-3740

UBACE Live Concert 7pm at McCoole’s Arts & Events, 10 South Main St, Quakertown, details at ubace.org

March 3

Bullying Seminar 9am-10am by Children’s Crisis Dept. held at Grace United Methodist, 295 S. Main St, Telford, more info at 215-723-2144

Penny Party 1:30pm at St. Luke’s (Old Williams) Church, Hellertown, $2/number, call 610-838-0897 for more info/directions

Penny Party opens 12noon, homemade food for sale, St. James Lutheran, Rt 309 & Oxford

St, Coopersburg

Breakfast 8am-12noon at Amer. Legion Aux., 75 N. Main St, Sellersville, $4.50/donation, 215-257-9801, sellersvillelegion.com

March 4 & 5

“Meal-A-Month” by Keystone Opportunity Ctr receives % of meals purchased: Mar. 4 (5pm-9pm) at The Perk, 501 E. Walnut St, Perkasie & Mar. 5 (8am-5pm) at Down-to-Earth Café, 1141 N. Fifth St, Perkasie

March 5

Wildlife Forensics, 1pm at Nockamixon Park, ideal for 5th-9th grades, free program, regis. info at 215-529-7307

March 7

SCORE Bucks Co. seminar “Engagement Mkting in the Current Environment” 9:30am-11:30am at McCoole’s Arts & Events, 10 Main St, Qtwn, call 215-943-8850 or [email protected]

March 8

St. Isidore School Gymnasium Auction 7pm-11pm, 603 W. Broad St, Quakertown, (music, raffles, auctions) $25/tkt includes dinner & beer or BYOB. Info/tickets at 215-536-6052

Owl Prowl 4pm-7pm at Peace Valley, $13 (members $9), advance registra-tion. & payment req’d. 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

March 9

All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti w/meatballs & salad bar, 4pm-7pm at Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd, Qtwn. $8/adults, $3/kids 4-10, take-out available

BPW Green Fair, 1pm-4pm at Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N. Second Street, Souderton. Free admission.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Boy Scouts, 8am-10am at Quakertown Applebee’s, 145 North West End Blvd, $7/adults, $4.50/kids under 8 yrs. 215-353-0636

March 10 – Daylight Saving Time Begins!

Tea & History 2pm at Generations of Indian Valley, historian, silent auction, raffles, prizes, etc. $30/person. Call 215-723-6627 or stmainst.org for ticket info and details

All-U-Can Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-1pm, $7/adults, $6/seniors, $3/ages 6-10, Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown

Buffet Breakfast 8am-1pm, $7/adults, $4/kids 6-12 yrs, free under 6 yrs, lots of good food, Silverdale Fire Co, 111 West Main St, Silverdale

Firehouse Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Lane, $7/adults, $3/kids 5-10 yrs, re-orders are $2 extra, 610-982-5710

Vera Bradley Bingo, doors open 11:30am, lunch available, adv. tkts $20 at [email protected] or 215-538-7817, (at door/$25), Milford Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Milford Square

Basket Bingo for Boy Scouts, 1pm-4pm

at Faith United Church of Christ, Rt 378, Center Valley, $25/person, call for tickets 215-768-2834

“Signs of Spring” naturalist program 2pm at churchvillenaturecenter.org. $3/person, call for more info: 215-357-4005

March 12

Constitutional Sheriffs Forum, 6:30pm, Michener Free Library, 401 W. Mill Street, Quakertown. Hosted by Citizens for Constitutional Government. William Reill, an expert on the PA Constitution and founder of the Sheriff Brigades of Pennsylvania will be the keynote speaker. County Sheriffs have been invited to speak. Free, open to the public.

March 13

Successful Business Series for the Latino busi-ness community in Bucks County, 6pm-8pm at UBCC Visitor Ctr, 21 N. Mail Street, Quakertown. For more info or to register at 215-536-3211 or ubcc.org

March 14

Hoagie Sale Pick-up (order by 3/8) at Qtwn Fire Co, 5th & W. Broad from 7pm-8pm. Lee 215-536-5609

Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out) $8/adults, $4.50/kids 6-12 yrs, $8.50/take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg

March 14 to 16

Peter Becker Community 30th Annual Flower Show, call Paul at 215-703-4015 for details

March 16

Steve Guyger Live Blues Performance, 5pm-8pm, at Downtown Dogs Eatery, 241 W. Broad Street, Quakertown. Steve is a world reknown blues artist. Reservations suggested. 215-536-6442

20th Annual QMPO Spaghetti Dinner 4pm-8pm at Quakertown High School on Park Ave. Entertainment by the band & choir students. 215-536-5990

Good News Church Open House, 10am–2pm, 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown.

Refreshments, snacks, visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. 215-536-4393

“Junk Jubilee” Rummage Sale 8am-1pm at Trinity Lutheran, 19 S. Fifth St, Perkasie, (gently used items/clothing), 215-257-6801 or trinityperkasie.org

Family-Style Roast Beef Dinner 4pm-7pm at St. Paul’s UCC in Sellersville, delicious menu, $11.75/adults, $5.50/kids 6-12 yrs, under 6 are free. Take-outs call 215-257-7268

Hilltown Historical Society hosts HCRAG (19th cent. rug hooking) 10am-4pm at Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. $2/person, free under age 12, 267-614-9174

St. Patrick’s Dance, open 6:30pm, food 7-8pm, then dancing till 12midnight. St. Agnes Soc. Hall, North Main St, Sellersville. Tickets: Patti 215-257-2814 by March 9

Spring Rabies & Vaccine Clinic, 10am-3pm at Richlandtown Firehouse, 125 South Main St, (Rt 212), Richlandtown, call Last Chance Ranch 215-538-2510 for details, lastchanceranch.org

11th Annual Basket Bingo at Sellersville Fire Dept, 2 North Main St, opens 10:30am, $20/20games, lots of great prizes. Prize list: PennFoundation.org, Stacy 215-257-4760

March 17 “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”

Ham & Cabbage Dinner 3pm-7pm, Mac Calla Masonic Lodge, Main & Church St, Souderton

“Sleepy Hollow Ranch” program by Dawn Newman of Fox Tale Stud, 2pm, 2165 Route 212, Pleasant Valley. Free, Public invited.

March 20 – First Day of Spring!

March 21

Business Card Exchange 5pm-7pm at QNB Towne Bank Ctr Reinhart Room, 320 West Broad St, Qtwn, more info at 215-536-3211 or ubcc.org

March 22

Pennridge Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast 8am at Revivals Restaurant, 4 South Ridge Rd, Perkasie. $25/member, $30/non-mbr, [email protected]

BINGO 7pm-9pm at First United Methodist, 501 Market St, Perkasie, $2/admis. & 1 card, extras .50/ea. Refreshments available. Call Robin to regis. 215-257-4626 or [email protected]

10th Annual Chocolotta, 6:30pm-10pm at DeSales University Ctr, auctions, raffles, food, choc. fountain, open bar. $75/person, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, call Sherri 215-536-YMCA

March 23

Qtwn Lions Club’s 3rd Annual Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4pm-7pm at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Qtwn, $9/adults, $7/kids 3-12. Tickets at door, info at 484-358-4930

Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast 8am-10am, $7/adults, $4.50/kids 6-10, at 145 North West End Blvd, Quakertown

Breakfast w/Easter Bunny at 8am, 9am, 10am. Pancakes, photos, egg hunt. $3.50/kids over 2 yrs, $5.50/adults, Grand View Hosp. cafeteria in Sellersville, reserve at 215-453-4084

Grace Christian School Spring Auction, 9am breakfast, 10am live auction includ. 100 gift certif, silent auction all day, 11am animal show, kid activities & more. 320 N. 3rd St, Telford. gcs-online.org or 215-723-5896

Homemade Easter Candy 9am-2pm Christ’s Lutheran Church, One Luther Lane, Trumbauersville, (also at WalMart & Country Square QNB Bank), order at 215-536-3193

Flea Market 9am-2pm at Benner Hall in Richlandtown, food available, tables $10, spaces $5, call 215-804-0101 to reserve spot

March 24

Basket Bingo at Dublin Fire Co, doors open 11:30am, $20/adv, $25/door, light lunch available, more info at 215-249-9242 or 215-257-1310

March 26

Quakertown Neighborhood Assoc. monthly

Have an event you’d like to share with your community? Send us the details!email: [email protected] • fax: 215-839-3421 • mail: 312 W. Broad Street, Quakertown PA 18951

meeting, 7:30pm, Off Broad St. Music Studio Annex, 334 W. Broad St. Open to the community! [email protected]

March 27

Hilltown Histor. Soc. presents “Execution of Wm Howe” (Civil War soldier), 7:30pm, Free (donations welcome), Twp Bldg, 13 W. Creamery Rd & Rt 152, Silverdale, Cindy at 267-614-9174

March 28

Spaghetti Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), includes salad bar & dessert, $7.50/adults, $4.50/kids 6-12 yrs, $8/take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg

March 29, 30, & 31

Easter Flower Sale 8am-8pm at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org

March 31 “Happy Easter!”

April 1

Blood Drive 3pm-7pm at Chick-fil-A Quakertown, 602 N West End Blvd (register to donate, get Free milkshake or Chicken sand-wich), 215-538-8848

April 6

Doll & Me Tea Party by Troop 2781, 12noon-2pm, St. Isidore School in Qtwn. Fun activi-ties, lunch, doll item table, handmade clothes, $15/child w/one adult. Reserve: 215-529-7616, [email protected]

Coach® Purse Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, doors open 12noon, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. $30/adv., $35/door, includes 16 games & 3 raffles, refreshments available. e-mail [email protected] or call 215-536-8805 for more info.

POQ’s 3rd Annual Spring Fling, 7pm-12am at C&C Catering, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, Mardi Gras Theme (optional attire), contact [email protected] for details

Greaser Dance 7pm-midnight, Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry Rd, Richlandtown. DJ, BYOB, buffet (must be 21), dance contest, $22.50/person, Jon 215-258-5719

PCC & Sellersville Kids Fishing Derby 8am-afternoon, at pond on Branch St behind Sellersville Firehouse, Pennridge Chamber members w/students K-5th grade, visit [email protected]

March 2013 • Upper Bucks Free Press • 3

Ongoing Community Activities and Resources

Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement: consists of four 2 ½ hr sessions from 7-9:30pm at Springhill Suites, Quakertown, $49 advance tuition, call for dates & info at 215-536-3211 (March-April)

Money Matters for Women in Recovery 4-part series: (3/27-Financial Decision Making), (4/3-Budgeting for Women), (4/10-Building & Repairing Credit), (4/17-Nutrition on a Budget), Wed. 5:30pm-7:30pm, Doylestown location. Pre-register w/Jeanne McDermott 215-345-6644 x3120

ESL (English as a Second Language), Thursdays 4:30pm-6:30pm, free commu-nity program at Morningstar Fellowship, 429 South 9th St, Quakertown, contact Diane: [email protected], Alaina: [email protected] 1-267-269-2777 (English/Spanish)

PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org

Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org

Discover-E Science/Nature Club, ages 6-12. Meets Tues. 6:15pm-7:15pm, Mar. 26, Apr. 23, May 28 & June ? More info at Nockamixon State Park Education Center 215-529-7307

Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-723-3415 or [email protected]

Saturday morning Bird Walks 8am-10am, 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

Community Hymn Sing, 6pm, first Sunday every month, Saucon Mennonite Church, 6639 N. Main St, Coopersburg, All invited, refresh-ments provided, 610-282-0514

Miller-Keystone Blood Center Mobile comes to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Quakertown, call 800-223-6667 for times.

Support Groups & Medical Resources

Bikers Against Child Abuse of Bucks County meets 11am the second Sunday every month at Hilltown German Sportsmen’s Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. For info, email: [email protected]

Caregiver Support Group meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided). RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting.

Volunteer Doctors Care at Upper Bucks Clinic offers free primary medical care to adults in Upper Bucks County with no medical insur-ance and meet income eligibility guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774

Outreach Care, (supports Quakertown people in need of temp. housing and resources), find out more at 215-804-5869 or [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 3:30pm-5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland,108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517

NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900 www.NOVABucks.org

Tourette Syndrome Support Group for adults over 21, 7pm-8:30pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Doylestown Hospital, contact Susan 215-527-7229 or [email protected]

Gamblers Anonymous meets every Saturday 11am-1pm, St. Luke’s Hosp. Education Ctr, Rm 111, Ostrum St, Bethlehem, 215-872-5635

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting. www.oa.org or Bob 610-762-3779

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-453-4699

Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for fam-ily/friends of those struggling w/addiction, [email protected]

A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org

Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown

Community MealsFree Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318

Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-536-0395

Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447

Free Community Dinner third Mon. of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/questions of transportation needs

BingoBingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226

Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820

Bingo at Plumsteadville Fire Co. every Monday, opens 5:30pm, games 6:30pm (refreshments avail.) 5064 Stump Rd, 215-766-8250

Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028

Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5pm, games 6:40pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900

Did you know that the name ‘leprechaun’ comes from the old Irish word ‘lurchopan’ which means ‘little body’? He is an Irish fairy who resembles a small old man, perhaps 2 feet tall, with a crooked green hat.


Perkasie Resident and PHS Graduate Erin Price

Named Miss MidState 2013The 2013 Miss MidState Scholarship

Pageant and Miss MidState Outstanding Teen Pageant were held on January 26, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East in Harrisburg, PA. Fourteen Miss contestants and nine Teen contestants competed for titles and scholarships offered by the Miss America Organization. Erin Price, a 2010 graduate of Pennridge High School and a Music Education major at West Chester University, was crowned Miss MidState 2013 and will spend the next year promoting her platform, “The Importance of Music Education in the Public Schools.” Price spent the past year as Miss Keystone 2012, and competed in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant in Pittsburgh last May. She, along with 28 other titleholders from local and regional pag-eants, will compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant June 9 to June 15 in Pittsburgh.

Each year, the Miss America Organization makes available more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance making it one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Further, each contestant in the local, state and national com-petition embraces a social platform of national significance. As a result, Miss Americas have since become powerful, visible and credible spokeswomen for issues ranging from AIDS awareness and prevention programs to pro-grams in support of homeless veterans. Today, on an annual basis, Miss America state and lo-cal titleholders, along with the Organization’s network of volunteers, participate in more than 12,000 community service projects, providing in excess of 500,000 service hours to worthy causes.

What would you do for a Klondike

Derby?On Friday February 1, over 200 scouts

and over 50 adult volunteers from Upper Bucks County descended on camp Ockanickon scout reservation in Pipersville for the an-nual Klondike Derby. They arrived late Friday evening and met for a night of Scout skits and songs. After the evening meeting they stayed in unheated tents and Adirondacks in 15-degree temperatures. The scouts had been working on winter camping skills in their normal weekly meetings to prepare for the experience. On Saturday morning they made their own break-fasts outside in the cold and prepared their sleds for the day’s activities. The sleds were outfitted with ropes, first aid gear, staves, and other outdoor equipment. Each patrol pulled their sled to nine stations where they were test-ed on different scout skills like first aid, team building, rope work, and fire skills. During the day, the scouts were timed moving their

teams across a rope bridge consisting of just two ropes. They built fires using only flint and steel and then cooked their lunch meal on the fire. Each patrol sent a sample of their lunch to judges as part of the competition. In the af-ternoon, the scouts continued to test their skills by building stretchers to carry someone who pretended to be wounded. They made splints, bandaged each other, and practiced other First aid skills. They worked with knives, shot sling-shots, and tested their shooting skills with BB guns. Saturday was finished with a timed race and awards dinner. At the awards dinner a hot meal of spaghetti and meatballs was served and awards were received for all of the skills and for important Scout values like team work and scout spirit. Troop 215 hosted the event and produce one of the most memorable Klondikes in recent history. submitted by ron cubbage


Short Term Care InsuranceA change in health that demands convales-

cent care can be very, very expensive. Paying for this care out-of-pocket can severely impact one’s retirement savings and in turn have ripple effects throughout the family. Financial stress during these times makes a bad situa-tion…much worse. Having a STC (Short Term Care) policy in place will provide peace of mind along with protection against substantial financial obligation.

Coverage & Protection: STC Insurance pays full or partial costs for: Home Care, Assisted Living Facilities, or Nursing Facilities. Coverage is for up to 1 year. In Pennsylvania, Skilled Nursing Facilities costs on average $7,500/month and full time Home Care can cost $6,000/month.

Compared to Long Term Care Insurance: LTC Insurance also pays for Home Care and Assisted or Skilled Nursing Facilities for any length of time, based on the policy features chosen. LTC policies are typically more com-prehensive than STC Insurance, but they also can be twice the cost along with more stringent health requirements to purchase it.

Medicare: Medicare, along with MediGap, will pay for 100 Days of Skilled Nursing. (With Medicare Advantage there are large co-pays for this 100 day period) However, with Medicare there are strict eligibility require-ments that do not allow this coverage to be obtained easily. Here are just two…

1. You must be in the Hospital under Admitted Status (not observational status!) for three (3) full days, not including day of discharge. If you are discharged after 2 full

days but need some convalescence assistance, Medicare will not pay!

2. Medicare (along with MediGap and Medicare Advantage) do not cover non-medi-cal convalescence care at home. So if you need help at home with dressing, bathing, and food preparation, Medicare will not pay!

Premiums Your premiums cannot increase during the life of the policy regardless of your age or health. Also, the Insurance Company must renew your coverage year after year as long as the premiums are paid, regardless of your age or health.

With having a STC policy in place, you can rest in knowing that if you, your family, and your Doctor think some convalescence care is needed, you now have the coverage needed to pay for all or some of it, regardless of Medicare eligibility requirements (and the headaches associated with it!)

We will be holding a “Medicare Made Easy” Seminar on Saturday March 16th at 10:30am at the Peter Becker Annual Flower Show. We are one of several break-out seminars during the flower show. It’s a great show and we’ll be doing a great seminar for folks that would like a solid easy to understand introduction to Medicare.howard peck, is the owner of senior insurance solutions based in green lane pa. he’s a pennsylvania licensed insurance broker who since 2005 has focused his insurance practice on the senior and retiree marketplace while specializing in medicare. he can be reached at 267-923-5281 or at [email protected].

Committee Approves Mensch’s PA Community

College Affordability Task Force

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) to establish the Pennsylvania Community College Affordability Task Force was unanimously approved this week by the Senate Education Committee.

Mensch said that Senate Bill 360 will cre-ate a panel of experts to examine and make recommendations regarding the viability and sustainability of the current community college funding model, accessibility of community col-lege services across the commonwealth, and the long-term affordability and accessibility of a community college education.

“Community colleges are currently fund-ed through a formula that aims to keep student tuition at no more than one-third of the educa-tional cost. The remainder comes from state funding and local sponsorship, which is from either school districts or counties. When either the local share or the state funding is reduced, the financial burden is placed on the students,” said Mensch. “It is imperative the common-wealth take a serious look at how changes in the local share could affect the affordability of a community college education.”

Currently, Mensch said, four community colleges are sponsored by school districts and

10 are sponsored by counties. Many school districts and counties are reevaluating their lo-cal sponsorship.

The 19-member task force will include the Secretary of Education, members appointed by the governor and legislators, local officials and representatives of community colleges, Mensch said.

In addition to the funding formula, the task force will also consider the various com-ponents of the community college mission, including open access and workforce develop-ment. Its report will be due to the governor and General Assembly within 180 days of the first meeting.

“Community colleges provide a great economic option for an entry-level college education to many Pennsylvanians who could not afford their first two years of higher edu-cation otherwise,” said Mensch. “They also provide much-needed workforce development for individuals who need additional skill sets in order to remain marketable and relevant in the workplace. The role of these institutions is too important to allow them to be priced beyond the reach of Pennsylvanians who rely on them.”

House Education Committee Passes School Safety, Special Education

Funding BillsThe House Education Committee this week

passed measures aimed at increasing student safety and better allocating funding for special education. House Resolution 53 would create a select committee to investigate, review, and make recommendations regarding safety and security in public and nonpublic schools and institutions of higher education. House Bill 555 would require all public schools to include the Megan’s Law website on any transportation-related communication distributed to students,

parents and the public, as well as post the web-site on schools’ homepages in an effort to offer parents and families information about safe bus and walking routes. House Bill 2 would cre-ate a Special Education Funding Commission to develop a new special education funding formula that better reflects the actual special education populations in Pennsylvania school districts. All of the measures now head to the full House for consideration.

Trumbauersville Lions Work Hard to Serve Community Needs

The Trumbauersville Lions Club was char-tered in 1947 and recently completed 65 years of service providing for the needs of the commu-nity. Serving under the Lion’s Motto of “WE SERVE”, the Club members actively serve and financially support the Trumbauersville Boy Scout Troop 13, Trumbauersville Cub Pack 13, Trumbauersville Children’s Summer Program, Quakertown Youth Sports programs including special kids, Community Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, Heavens Bounty Food Pantry as well as providing Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets to those in need.

The Club additionally supports dis-trict Lions projects of Bucks County’s Blind Association, Eye Examines and Glasses for the needy, The Delaware Valley Eye Bank, Lions Vision, Hearing and Diabetes research programs, and other worthy needs that may arise to help the less fortunate and needy in

our community.Additionally the Trumbauersville Lions

Club are the official administrators of the Upper Bucks Lions Kidney Foundation which currently is providing monthly financial sup-port for sixteen (16) individuals on Kidney Dialysis.

The Club provides for these programs through their Annual Wild Game Dinner, Winter Meat Shoot, Cigar Aficionado Night, The Ralph and Helen Ackerman Memorial Sporting Clays Shoot, Trumbauersville Community Day, Tom Wynkoop & Jim Schacht Memorial Golf Outing, and donations from other community-minded organizations and individuals.

We subscribe to the fact that together or-dinary people can accomplish amazing things to better our community.

The North Penn Gun Club recently donated $9000 to the Trumbauersville Lions Club. From left to right are Gary Parzych and Otto Spor for the Lions, Jerry Sterner and Rich Nagle representing the North Penn Gun Club. The Lions will be using the money to support the Upper Bucks Lions Kidney Foundation. photo and article submitted by jerry sterner


Green Eggs, Ham, and SocialSecurity.gov

March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. Last year we took part in the celebration with our take on The Cat in the Hat, called The Mouse in the House. This year, inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, we ham it up a bit...

I am Guy.I am online.

That Online-Guy, that online Guy, I do not like that Online-Guy.

Do you like to go online?I do not like to go online! I do not like it,

Online-Guy.Will you try a site I love?

SocialSecurity.gov?I will not try that site you love,

SocialSecurity.gov.Will you try it here, or there?

I will not try it here or there. I will not try it anywhere!

I do not want to go online! I do not want to, Online-Guy!

Visit the website from your office computer.I’ll cheer you on! I’ll be your root-er!

Try it over bagels and lox!It takes just minutes — watch the clocks!

Don’t bother me here at my desk! Let me be, you online pest!

Would you, could you at the right time of day?

Could you, would you if you don’t have to pay?

I will not any time of day! Would you please be on your way?

You’ll love the website. You will see.The online services are free!These services are not a pain.

Try them on the commuter train!I don’t want to see. Don’t be a pain.

Who cares that they’re free? I’m leaving the train.

Open a My Social Security accountAnd see your benefit payment amount

Do it here! At your kitchen table!I know that you are more than able.

I will not do it while I eat! I just won’t do it, I repeat!

Here’s a service you cannot hate:Get a benefit esti-mate!Try it, do! Try it now!

Go online! I’ll show you how.I do not wish for you to show. I only wish

for you to go.Apply for Medicare with me!

Online’s where you ought to be!I will not do that next to you. Phones

and offices will do.But what about when it’s time to retire?

Trudge into an office? That seems rather dire!Online is the way to do it.

Grab your laptop! Let’s get to it!Online-Guy, don’t think me picky. But

computer apps are awfully tricky.Nonsense! Do not speak such doom!

Come now, to your living room.We’ll finish your business in a zoom!

Not now. Maybe someday later.I’ve always been a procrastinator.Will you log on from your bed?

Try the website! Go ahead!Leave my house and close the door! Leave

and bother me no more!I do not want to go online! I do not want to,

Online-Guy!But you go online for all your mail.You shop online when there’s a sale.

Online banking pays the bill.You’ll love socialsecurity.gov. You will!

Guy … if you will let me go,I’ll try the website. Then you’ll know.

www.socialsecurity.govSay! I like Social Security Online! I do!

I like it, Online-Guy!And I’ll create an account, and see my

benefit payment amount.I’ll use my Social Security, and get an

estimate — just for me.I’ll use the website to retire, and for

Medicare! Guy, I’m on fire!There’s fun stuff on this website too,

like baby names and history, too!I’ll use this website in my home, and at my

office, and when I roam,I’ll use it here and use it there. Say!

I’ll use it everywhere!I do so like Social Security Online.

Thank you! Thank you, Online-Guy.You’ll fall in love with the website, too!

Socialsecurity.gov waits for you.

Tom answers your Social Security questions…

I need to get something from Social Security to verify my income. How can I do that?

We provide three types of income proof:1. A Benefit Verification Letter shows

your monthly benefit amount. You can get your Benefit Verification Letter online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It often is used as official proof of income to:

• Apply for a loan;• Give to a landlord;• Obtain housing assistance, or other state

or local benefits;• Verify Medicare coverage; or• Verify retirement status, disability, or age.2. An SSA-1099 shows your annual in-

come for income tax purposes. We mail the SSA-1099 by January 31 each year. You can request an SSA-1099 online, or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit a local office. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to locate the office nearest you.

3. An annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notice is sent to all beneficiaries at the end of each year providing the amount of the monthly benefit for the following year.

My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and their daughter. Before his accident, he helped support his son from a previous relationship. Is his son entitled to some benefits as well?

Regardless of whether your brother was married to his son’s mother, his son may qualify for Social Security benefits on his record. Someone should file an ap-plication on his behalf. If he is found to be eligible, both children would receive equal benefits. Learn more by reading our online publication, Disability Benefits (Publication No.05-10029) at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ 10029.html.

I understand that to get Social Security disability benefits, my disability must be expected to last at least a year. Do I have to wait a year before I can apply for benefits?

No. If you believe your disability will last a year or longer, apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. It can take three to four months to process an application. If your application is approved, we will pay your first Social Security disability benefits for the sixth full month after the date your disabil-ity began. For more information about Social Security disability benefits, refer to Disability Benefits (Publication No. 05-10029) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

tom reiley is the social security district manager in allentown pa. he can be reached at

[email protected] or at (877) 405-6746.

Steinsburg,Milford Twp.I often refer to Steinsburg, PA in my writ-

ings about visiting friends in my childhood days. I remember going to the barbershop with my dad and brothers located in the little building behind the hotel owned by the Hower family after Mr. Musselman was no longer barbering in Milford Square. Also, Henry Klausfelder, one of my classmate’s father, owned the store at the intersection of the roads coming from Milford Square and Spinnerstown. Everyone who lived in Milford Township back then knew of Ollie Erdman’s Bottling Works just up the road back from the main intersection. Ollie was always eager to show you the modern bottling line in the little manufacturing facility. (He bottled A-Treat sodas including a non-carbonated orange drink called “Green-Spot).” Kemmerer’s Butcher shop was in operation until the 1960’s and I still have a little red tin that once held lard with

their name on it along the “Steinburg, PA.”Earlier Steinsburg was very similar to all the

villages in Milford and the surrounding rural townships. Today as you drive on Allentown Road towards Coopersburg you can still see the stonework of the gristmill as you approach the first bend. Supposedly in the early 1800’s a second tavern existed at the end of the lane going to the gristmill that exits on the right as you go around the second turn to the right. Today you can sometimes see the buffalo at the Clemens farm across the street on that second turn!

The villages that normally settled around a tavern not only had a General Mercantile store nearby; they also had self-sustaining single occupations in the business district to supply the farmers in a radius around the village. Steinsburg was no exception to the rule. In the early days lumberman George Steinman owned the White Swan or The Swain Tavern where all the men gathered when in town to discuss the events of the day or period. In the early 1800’s this village had a creamery to process the farmers’ milk products, a coach maker, a blacksmith, a village carpenter, and of course a miller. Milford Township is unique in the fact that it had many gristmills and sawmills along the many tributaries of the Unami (Swamp) Creek. I believe that is also why we had so many little villages in our

township making life easier for the farming community. Steinsburg even had an under-taker and embalmer until 1915.

The members of the Milford Township Historical Society will always remember a carpenter who lived in the former schoolhouse just up the road from Klausfelder’s store. His name was Bob Hangen. Bob, who was short in stature, and rather quiet, would attend our meetings and showed quite an interest in all the programs. He soon became an integral part of our development. His skill as a carpenter, his wonderful complete working miniature of the Stover Mill located along the Tohickon, and yes, his unknown acting ability in our skits we presented annually at our Tavern Nights will long live in the founding members of the society’s heart!

The memories of the 50’s and 60’s would not complete unless I have a paragraph or two about my classmate Joel Klausfelder and his brother Alan (Bitzee), Klausfelder’s father. Henry Klausfelder was Mr. Milford Township. Henry Klausfelder is a legend to those who are lifelong or almost lifelong members of the township. He not only was the Roadmaster of the board of supervisors; he also was a deputy game warden for the area. Henry was strict; but also cared for the laws of hunting. He was instrumental along with Dan Meas in purchasing the first land for conserva-tion in the township. The land was the former Campbell’s Dam property that is now known as Milford Park. Henry was Roadmaster when many of the dirt roads in the township were being macadamized. His pride and joy was the widening and reconstruction of Canary Road. Today Canary Road is one of the nicest roads in our township because of its underlay-ment and proper drainage. Henry took our Township Hall from a small area in the garage along the Spinnerstown Road to the present Schoolhouse where the historical society meets today. Henry was on the board when many of the Park Board was established and was in the grassroots development of planned develop-ment. To me he will always be “Mr. Milford Township.”

Milford Township over the years has fol-lowed Henry & Dan’s insight and has increased the township park and trail system extensively. On April 20th, 2013 they will host their seg-ment of the Quakertown immediate area’s “Quakertown Area Day of Play” to encourage children to “Get out and play” at one of their newest facilities—Fernbrook Park—located near the village of Finland along the Unami Creek. Keep an eye out for information on schedules and times.

Steinsburg was a typical village in a typical rural township. It was special as its residents erected a memorial to the War Dead of the area. Milford Township has since moved the memorial erected there to Krammes Park after it started to fall in disrepair. This memorial will always be a memorial to the servicemen who served so gallantly but will also be a memorial to those special residents of Steinsburg, PA.


Mathew Lawhead with his (on left) Nana and Pop Pop Debbie and Bernie Lawhead and Mom Mom and Grandpop Regina and Bob Cardillo. photo by donna devlin

Grandparents Out in Full Force for Luncheon

Nye Nye, Tata, Mom Mom, Nana, Grammy, Nonee, and yes, a Grandma - whatever you call them they were out in full force for the annual St. Isidore Grandparent Luncheon. Weather was not a factor for the first time in years, with 60 degree temps helping to make this the most

well - attended luncheon yet! Grandparents were treated to lunch, flute recorder concert by the 3rd grade, viewing of art projects, and a book fair. The luncheon is held annually as part of the national Catholic Schools Week Celebration.

6th Annual Cyber Fair Returns, Offers Info on School ChoicesHave you seen the commercials that boast

cyber schools as a new way to educate your children, but don’t know what they are? If you’ve got school aged children or grandchil-dren, you may be interested in attending Valley Homeschoolers 6th Annual Cyber School Fair. The fair is being held at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, on Saturday, May 4th, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. There’s no other event like it in Pennsylvania; even more excit-ing, it’s completely free to the public.

Cyber schools are public schools paid for by your tax dollars. However, students learn from home, using computers on loan from the school. All curriculum, supplies, science and art kits, textbooks, etc…, are supplied from the school at no cost to you. Some schools pay your internet bill as well.

Normally, to speak to school representa-tives, families have to attend each cybers’ seminar, at the place and time they’ve chosen. They’re held everywhere from Allentown, King of Prussia, and sometimes, the Poconos. But if you’re curious about which school is the right fit for you, or what one school offers that others don’t, whether the programs suit your needs and so on, this is the only place you’ll be able to ask all nine major schools. And all without having to drive and sit through presen-tations. With the price of gas going up, this one trip can save you a lot of money, not to mention your time.

Cyber schools attending are:Achievement House, Agora/K12, Connections

Academy, Foundations PA Cyber, PA Distance Learning, PA Leadership,

PAVCS/K12, 21st Century

There is a great deal of misinformation about this school option. You may have been told that once you sign up, you cannot change your mind and enroll your child back in public school. You may have heard that you have to stay with whatever cyber you signed up with for the entire school year. Other parents have been told that special needs children need not sign up for this school choice. All of these are blatantly false. Worse, many of the people spreading the misinformation know that it’s incorrect.

The fact is you can choose a cyber school, but find that it’s not a good fit two months later. You can either enroll your child in an-other cyber, or put her back in public school. Public schools cannot deny your child entrance unless there was an expulsion. Choosing an al-ternative method of teaching your child doesn’t qualify as a way to exempt you from electing to return to your school district.

As for special needs children, each school has its own programs for educating the special child. IEPs (individual educational programs) are available through the cyber school, just as they are for brick and mortar schools. If this is a concern, then attending the fair will prove invaluable. Speak to each representative and choose whether or not you’re comfort-able with a cyber school, and which one fits your needs best.

For more information, or to be kept abreast of any updates, please visit the fair’s Facebook page, “2013 Valley Cyber School Fair”. Additionally, if you’re a new cyber school and would like to participate, please send Tamara Kells a message through the Facebook page. Unregistered schools will not be allowed entrance.

submitted by tamara kells


What is a Will and why do I need one?

“Ask The Lawyer” is a new monthly column written by Bucks County attorney Peter M. Williams and discusses pertinent legal issues and topics. If you have a legal question or problem for Mr. Williams to answer in this column, email [email protected]. Please be advised that Mr. Williams does not know all the details of your particular situation and therefore you should view his responses as information of a general nature and not as le-gal advice. We encourage you to consult with a lawyer before taking any action based on the answers you receive through this feature.

Q. What is a Will and why do I need one?One of the most common documents that I

am asked to draft for a client is a Will. A Will is a legal document by which a person (the “testator”) names one or more persons to manage his/her estate and defines how his property will be distributed after death. Such property could include real estate, automo-biles, jewelry, insurance, or other physical assets. A Will is important because it ensures your property is transferred according to your wishes after you pass away. These documents are not only for the elderly. Any person at any legal age should consider creating a Will. If you die without writing a Will, then you have died “intestate,” in which case the state will mandate how your property is distributed and to whom, regardless of your wishes.

It is important to remember that there are other important legal documents that everyone should have in addition to a Will.

Those documents include a Living Will and a Power of Attorney.

A Living Will provides instructions to your physician(s) and to someone that you may des-ignate regarding the type of medical treatment you would like medical professionals to fol-low if you are unable to express those wishes yourself. These instructions define which treatments can and cannot be used on you such as tube feeding, resuscitation, artificial life support, and/or organ donation.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives another person the authority to act in your place in legal or financial matters. There are many different kinds of Powers of Attorney and they can be either general or limited in scope.

I always advise my clients to speak with their loved ones about these difficult issues. It is much easier on a family if you have ex-pressed your wishes during your lifetime. I have assisted individuals and their loved ones prepare for and cope with these situations and am available to answer any of your legal questions. If you have any questions, please contact my office and ask to speak to Mr. Williams.

Peter M. Williams, Esquire has offices in Levittown and Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. To schedule a free initial consultation, call: 267-583-3690 or email at [email protected]. 24-hour emergency service is available. Please visit our website www.peterwilliamslaw.com and find us on Facebook.

Senior Center ActionUpper Bucks Senior Center

2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Qtwn, 215-536-3066, www.upperbuckssac.com

Line Dancing – Fri. 10am $3, no sign-upYoga – Fri. 9am $3/classPinochle – Fri. 12:30pm

Bingo – Tues. & Thurs. 12:15pm open to the public

Bridge – Mon. 11:00amEastern Upper Bucks Senior Center, 8040

Easton Rd, OttsvilleLine Dancing – Mon. 10:30am

Chair Yoga – Tues. 10amAdvanced Tai Chi – Wed.

10:30am-11:30amBeginner Tai Chi – Wed. 11:30am-12noon

Weight Loss Group – Thurs. 10:30am

Pennridge Community Center 146 E. Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027,

pennridgecenter.org

Day activities include: ceramics, billiards, aerobics, line dancing, card games, arts,

chess, Wii bowling, tai chi, Zumba, mahjong. Contact center for times and days.

Evenings include:Billiards – Tue/Wed/Thur.

$3/non-membersTai Chi – Tues (8-wk session)Zumba – Thur (6-wk session)

Country Line Dancing – Wed $5

Encore Experiences at Harleysville 312 Alumni Ave, Harleyesville,

215-256-6900Zumba Gold every Tues. 1:30pm $1/class


Pride of Quakertown Hosts Successful Fundraiser for

Scholarship ProgramPride of Quakertown held its 4th Annual

Bowling Extravaganza on February 9th. The event was a huge success as everyone in at-tendance had a great time.

Pride Of Quakertown engages in a vari-ety of events throughout the year for several purposes however the overall goal of most of these activities is to raise funds in order to sustain our scholarship program.

We shall raise money for neighbor-hood educational programs, child development programs and for donation to other reputable local charities while building ca-maraderie and lifelong friendships between the residents of Quakertown, Pennsylvania and the surrounding communities through team sports and family-oriented educational and leisure activities.

For those who missed out on bowling, POQ’s next event is the 3rd Annual Spring Fling on Saturday, April 6th. Register for the Spring Fling by February 28th to receive the reduced rate of $35/per person. For more information about the Spring Fling, visit prideofquakertown.org.

Another fund raising event that the Pride of Quakertown will be participating in is Bon-Ton’s Community Day. With the $5 purchase of a Community Day coupon booklet online, you will receive over $400 worth of savings, including a 25% off shopping pass and a $10 off coupon that can be used on any item priced $10 or more. That is a value worth double the $5 price of the booklet. For every booklet we sell, we keep the entire $5 purchase price. Our goal is to raise $500!

Susanna Heath Morris Quaker Prophetess and Reformer

I’ve done a substantial amount of research on the early days of the settlement of Upper Bucks County, particularly in association with the celebration of Richland Friends Meeting’s 300th anniversary of the Quakers in Quakertown (2010). Today, historical research is much easier than it was just half a lifetime ago. Through the Internet, we have at our finger tips an incredible amount of information. Noted local researchers, Clarence and Ellwood Roberts, whose1889 and 1925 books are essential to local historians, struggled to dig up information that can now be acquired or confirmed in seconds by a web search.

During my investigations, interesting facts emerged that one would expect to be common knowledge and local bragging points, but are generally unknown. For example: the descendents of Peter Lester, one of Quakertown’s founding fathers, includes two U.S. presidents (Hoover and Nixon). Other information that is more commonly known, such as the facts that William Penn’s Richland Manor was established in Upper Bucks in 1703, the first grain mill was built in Milford around 1714 and local citizens petitioned for a road to be built (Old Bethlehem Pike), in 1715, are unknown (perhaps of no interest), to most local citizens.

Though my research was primarily limited to the 18th century, one thing I noticed, and perhaps considering their general status in society until recently it should be expected, is that there is very little mention of the ‘womenfolk.’ As we now surely know, they must have been the backbone of the colonial community. I doubt that most local historians could name any ‘important’ women in the over 300 years of Richland Township and Quakertown history.

The Quakers believed in equality between the sexes and kept decent records for the time, so the names of many early Upper Bucks women Friends are know. However, their accomplishments, beyond marrying and having children with more ‘famous’ men, are seldom recorded. I did discover one noted woman from Old Richland, though. Unfortunately, I learned about her through resources not readily available in Quakertown libraries. In the mid-1700’s she was known, honored and respected throughout America and across Ireland, England, Wales, Holland and Germany. Does anyone in Quakertown, even local historians, know the name, Susanna Heath Morris?

Susanna Morris’ husband, Morris Morris, first appears in the records as a property owner in Upper Bucks in 1717. It is believed the family relocated to Richland from Abington around 1720, shortly after they acquired 400 acres which is now the west half of Quakertown Borough (approximately between Main Street, 7th St, Mill Street and Park Ave). They built a substantial log home on what is now Broad Street across from 11th Street. The Morris’ eventually owned almost seven square miles of property in Richland and Milford. As he sold building lots on those 400 acres the settlement began to grow.

Susanna Heath was born in Stafford, England on October 27, 1682. Her Quaker family moved to Philadelphia in 1701, and soon relocated to Abington where she married

Morris Morris in 1703. Before coming to America, Susanna had already developed a reputation for being ‘sensitive to the Light,’ as Quakers described a spiritually insightful person. She frequently received pertinent ‘messages from God’ of which she preached in Meetings for Worship. She also had dreams and visions that proved to be prophetic. Her reputation as a ‘divine receptacle’ for the Lord’s Truth, and as a gifted preacher continued to grow after she came to Pennsylvania.

(That sort of thing might be scoffed at in this day and age, but it was serious and real to people 300 years ago. And, who can say? It may be just as serious and real today)

Susanna Morris’ gift to prophesy was recognized by the higher echelons of the Society of Friends. She became a traveling minister, visiting Quaker Meetings throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She became renowned celebrity, filling Meetinghouses wherever she went. Friends swarmed to see her and to hear her messages.

When she was past her child rearing years, Susanna Morris began traveling further from home. On a trip to North Carolina, she survived a storm and shipwreck on the Chesapeake. During the crisis, she had a prophetic vision, not her first, and was recognized as a ‘seer’ by Quaker leaders, who began sending her on ‘missions.’ She had a ‘calling’ to cross the sea and in 1728 made her first of three trips to Europe “in God’s service.”

On that first voyage, Susanna had dreams and waking visions that foretold of another shipwreck. When it came to pass, she again experienced visions during the crisis and acted on them, saving the lives of dozens of people. Survivors were astounded and she was welcomed by thousands in Ireland and Britain as a true prophet of the highest order. She also traveled to Holland where Quakers came from as far as Germany to hear her speak.

Susanna Morris was also a Quaker reformer and frequently found herself at odds with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. She argued vehemently against Friends’ involvement in the alcohol and tobacco trade. She supported ongoing efforts to abolish slavery.

Susanna Morris died in 1755 at her home on Swamp Road (Broad Street), in the village that would be incorporated as Quakertown 100 years later. She was honored in the Minutes of Richland Friends Meeting, but in the tradition of simplicity and humility for which Quakers are known, her memory soon faded from the annals of Upper Bucks County history. We don’t even know where she’s buried. Recently, excerpts from her journals have been published and she is a major character in Rebecca Larson’s book, Daughters of Light.

For this extraordinary woman to not even be known in the Quakertown area, even among the Quakers, is a shame. It demonstrates the sad fact that we no longer sense or have interest in our roots. Perhaps during this, Women’s History Month, we should think about Susanna Heath Morris, one of our greatest Community Mothers and celebrate her memory.

Read more by Jack H. Schick at: www.jack-h-schick.wrytestuff.com

Self-Esteem is the picture we have of our-selves. It’s the combination of unconscious and conscious beliefs about who we are. Self-Esteem comes from the decisions we have made about what we saw around us and to us. We start to compare ourselves to others and thus may define who we are by what we see in them, both good and bad.

Self-Esteem is related to how we feel about ourselves. Our feelings tell us a lot about ourselves. They are neither right nor wrong; they just are. What we feel and how we deal with our feelings greatly impacts how we feel about ourselves, both positive and negative. What you THINK about your problems has a significant impact on what you FEEL and what you DO /REACT to handle all your life issues (friends, family, school, leisure, etc.) For example, if something happens that we don’t like, like a car breaking down, what we TELL OURSELVES about it is going to dictate HOW WE FEEL about it. “This stuff always happens to me, I can’t win” vs. “This happens sometimes, even with the best car. I can address the problem and move on. It’s all good.”

Self-esteem is about valuing ourselves and appreciating our unique value. It’s about how we feel about our achievements and our fail-ures. It is not about perfection. NO ONE IS PERFECT. To strive for perfection will set us up for personal failure and feelings of low self-worth. We will be attempting to achieve something, which is unattainable. We will never feel we are enough. We will continue to raise the bar and will eventually feel more frustration with ourselves. Perfection is a myth.

In conclusion, self-esteem is a mix of how we feel, think and act. Good Self-Esteem comes from feeling competent and able to act on our beliefs and thoughts as well as the ability to see and understand the results of our actions. It is reflective of our interactions and reactions with family, friends, coworkers and strangers. Being honest and accepting respon-sibility for our actions, feelings and behaviors is key in having good self-esteem.

susan v. brewer is a certified life coach and psychotherapist in the upper bucks county area. visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

What is Self Esteem?


At the final home game for the Quakertown Community High School basketball game this season, there was a reunion in the stands. Team alumni came out to surprise and support their former teacher, coach, and longtime friend, Don Young. Team members from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s attended the game to sit with Coach Don Young and his wife, Harriet. (pictured front and center)

All who could attend spent an evening of reminiscing and talking about the “good old days.” Richie Shutters, Galen Gerhart, and Steve Gerhart, members of Coach Young’s first championship team in 1956 were present. From the 60’s and 70’s there were Rich Wycoff, Fred Richter, Rich Gardner, Tom Koehler, Gary Kirkner, Jim Gross, Jim Bevan, Scott Myers, Jim Waite, Val Karis, Bob Lewis, Gary Dimmig, Bill Geiger, Clyde Smoll, Kent Swartley, Terry Weikel, Bob Barndt, Rich Wolfinger, and Dale Reichley. Other players who attended to support Coach Young were: Don Aldinger, Jim Rosch, Jeff Rice, Mike Smoll, and Ken Fly.

Not everyone could not be located prior to the evening and others contacted could not attend the game, but sent their “Best Wishes” to Coach Young. The overall goal of coming together as former QCHS basketball alumni to cheer on the 2013 team on Senior Night and greet Coach Don Young was accomplished and it was a fun night for all who were there. photo by christopher betz

Some sixty members of the local business community converged on the offices of The Free Press LLC in Quakertown for an evening of food, drink, and networking in early February. above: Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce staff members Sonja Walker, Rita Woodward, and executive director Tara King with Upper Bucks Free Press publisher Christopher Betz. below: uBfp Columnists Dick Helm, Jack Schick, Patrick Murphy, and Tom Merrick with Christopher Betz. photo by michele buono

Nine-year-old Kelli McFadden is all smiles after receiving the Perseverance Award at the Dutch Classic gymnastics meet on February 17. The Perseverance Award is presented at the judges’ discretion to one gymnast from each level who displays good sportsmanship, determination, and the will to never give up. Kelli also won a medal for placing third on the balance beam. The judges were unaware that it was Kelli’s first meet since she broke her ankle while on the balance beam this past autumn. She is currently a Level 4 gymnast at Power and Grace Gymnastics. submitted photo

Free Press LLC Hosts Open House and

Networking Event

McFadden Perseveres at Dutch Classic

Gymnastics Meet

Quakertown HS Basketball Alumni Stage Surprise Reunion with Coach Don Young

Fitzpatrick Honors UBCTS Animal Tech Students

US Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick recently visited The Upper Bucks County Technical School to honor Animal Technology students that attended the 97th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. Congressman Fitzpatrick addressed the students on the important role that their career field plays in the economic development of Bucks County. Congressman Fitzpatrick presented each student with a certificate for their accomplishment. It was thirty-third year that Mary Miller-Ettwein, Animal Technology Teacher, and students from The Upper Bucks County Technical School attended the Farm Show.(aBove) Becca Lambrecht, Pennridge High School and UBCTS Senior, is honored by Congressman Fitzpatrick. submitted photo


(left to right) Great-great grandmother, Anna Bishop of Perkasie; Great Grandmother, Pat Gross of Quakertown; Grandmother, Wendy Carper of Greenville, PA; Mother, Rebekah Swarey of Campbellsville, KY; and 5th Generation Grace Swary was born November 15, 2002. All were together over the holidas at the home of Ernest and Pat Gross in Quakertown. submitted photo

Free Press Intern Has Mid-Winter French Odyssey

The cliche is true: it is impossible to go to France and not fall in love with at least some aspect of the country. Whether it be the roman-tic men, the mouthwatering “fromage”, or the historic architecture. You may not agree with some of the politics but there is no denying the beauty of the land and culture. At least that is what happened to me during my four-week adventure to France: I fell in love.

As a child, I grew up with an unknown fascination for the French: the language, the people, and the lifestyle. During this past winter break from my studies at Hofstra University, I got the opportunity to spend the entire month of January in Gemenos, a beauti-ful town in Southern France. This trip was not the typical “study abroad” trip; I got to intern as the public relations for a new French Indie band, Cherokill.

Thanks to a family connection, I went to stay with a French family with the intention of picking up the language and exploring my dream country. Wanting to keep myself busy, I went on the pretext of interning for the English teaching business, Esplicite, that the family I was staying with operates.

Cherokill was started by the owner of the company I was staying with while abroad. After becoming friends with the bandmates and expressing an interest in the band, I was asked to become their media manager, rather than the language company. I started off by taking pic-tures, filming videos, and contributing on their social media sites. Before I knew it, I was writ-ing articles, creating music videos, contributing to the website, and controlling all social media. I even got to take a special weekend trip to London to film a music video with the band in an English pub.

In addition to my internship, I spent a lot of time exploring the country. I tasted some

of the typical French cuisine: cheese, wine, escargot, and even frog legs (which tastes just like chicken). I visited many landmarks and known areas: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Marseilles etc… With a metro pass and map in hand I spent four days getting lost in the City of Lights, Paris. It was the only time in my life where getting lost was actually pleasant.

Before I got on the plane, I was a little hesitant to travel to France. I had built up the country so much in my mind I was afraid my trip was not going to meet my expectations. I was partly right, France did not meet my ex-pectations; it far exceeded them. The moment I got off the plane, all it took was a few minutes surrounded by francophones and historic land-scapes to bring chills to my arms and tears to my eyes thinking, I finally made it.

Not only did I go to France, but I got to spend my time doing work that I love. That trip abroad turned out to be the most enlightening experience of my nineteen years of existence. It opened my eyes to the world outside of America and encouraged me to pursue my dream career as a foreign correspondent

The people I met, the memories I created, and the experiences I had will stay with me forever. Some people get “homesick” but now that I am back in America I think I’m “France sick”. I fell in love with the people, the life-style, and the atmosphere. While a month in France was nice, I’m hoping to make my next trip to France a more permanent one.

Editor’s Note: Amber will be headed back to France later this year. She was recently ac-cepted as a student at American University in Paris where she will continue to study broad-cast journalism. The staff of the Upper Bucks Free Press congratulates Amber and wishes her well in all of her studies. We look forward to regular updates from Amber as she works to pursue her career goals.

Five Generations of Bishops


Appraising some Manly Antiques

At my public antiques appraisal events, I don’t have anyone waiting in line. And, when I appraise objects, I cut to the core. No non-sense, no delicate high-brow vocabulary, no malarkey. I tell it like it is. If you have a piece of junk, I tell you. If you spent too much mon-ey on something, I tell you. If you are hoping to become of millionaire on a collection of Pez dispensers, I tell you that it’s not happening in this lifetime.

I have been known to break a heart or two and I have been known to reveal that the ugly

lamp you have can make you a millionaire in the antiques market. And, I reveal my faults too—like my well-documented and obvious (particularly on my thighs and hips) addic-tion to chocolate bars. My antiques appraisal shows—presented more than 150 times every year around the globe—are as funny as they are frank.

I have been told by my audience members the world over that my presentation style is engaging just like the wealth of information that I reveal about antiques. As audience mem-bers, men are typically brought to my appraisal events by their wives but they quickly become my most devoted fans. Men return to my events day after day, event after event when I appear in a particular city.

In Philly, I laughed with the male owner of a Shirley Temple doll worth $275. After I appraised it, he told me that only a real man would be comfortable enough to bring a doll out in public to an appraisal event.

In Houston, TX, Ray came to my antiques appraisal comedy show in part to get back on his wife’s good side. He was on his way to the gym when his wife asked him if he could attend my appraisal event instead. He didn’t mind the diversion too much until his wife said that she wanted me to look at some piece of china she bought at a yard sale. He convinced her to bring me an old Spanish book that was in his family for centuries. Wrapped in a black plastic trash bag, the book was a hand painted illuminated manuscript with period texts and original paintings. Produced in the middle of

the 1600s --about the time of the reign of King Philip of Spain-- the rare manuscript was worth $10,000. That sure will cover his gym mem-bership fee.

Paul’s story warms my heart. I was present-ing my appraisal show in Louisville, KY when a guy in his mid-30s puts a copper weather-vane on my appraisal table and tells me that he doesn’t know what he’s got but one of his neighbors told him it might be worth some money. I explain how weathervanes do have good value in the marketplace and that his ex-ample has a strong provenance and is attributed to a particularly well known maker. I tell him that it is worth $15,000. All of a sudden this guy --who could be a linebacker in the NFL--starts crying like a baby in front of God and everybody. Wiping his eyes on his shirtsleeve, he jumps up, runs towards the stage and hugs me—like a linebacker would. No one knew what he was going to do after that, but he did calm down and then returned to his seat in the audience. He goes on to explain that his grandmother’s house is in foreclosure, he has been supporting his extended family for nearly a year, and now he can start down the road to recovery by selling the weathervane (which was incidentally on the barn of the property in foreclosure). Someone had offered him a mere

$100 for the weathervane but he didn’t believe it was worth so little. He was thrilled to know the truth. And I got the hug to prove it.

Sports collectibles, guns, edged weapons, fishing lures and reels, and other objects are the typical types of antiques and collectibles that I review at my events, but sometimes the real men show up with something interesting and unexpected. Guys want me to cut to the chase and tell it like it is. I’m all for it. Let’s hear it for the boys!

ph.d. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning tv personality, dr. lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. dr. lori is the expert appraiser on discovery channel’s auction kings airs thursdays at 9 pm. visit www.drloriv.com, www.facebook.com/doctorlori or call (888) 431-1010.

Come Help Us Celebrate 100 Years of PA Elk BuglingIntroducing a Southeastern Pennsylvania

Keystone Elk County Alliance Chapter

As dawn is breaking, echoes of bugling elk sound throughout the hills. The morning mist, which is so common to the area, slowly lifts as the sun rises, revealing the sight of a mas-sive bull elk with is herd of nine cows. It is September and the rut is on. At the other end of the massive field are two satellite bulls try-ing to work their way in towards a cow “in season”. Suddenly the bull in front charges and after a clash of antlers, chases the smaller bulls to the sidelines once again. No, this is not in Colorado; it is here in the part of Pennsylvania known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds”. For us in southeastern Pennsylvania, it is about four hours from your doorstep. This letter is in-troducing an exciting new way to share in this wonderful experience and a way YOU can help to keep this wonder here in Pennsylvania.

Before the early 1800’s tens of thousands of eastern elk lived and roamed all over Pennsylvania. As people and settlements began to flourish throughout the state, the elk herd began to retreat to the remote areas of north central Pennsylvania. With the na-tive elk being hunted heavily for its meat and considered a delicacy in the cities, the last elk was killed in Pennsylvania by the late 1860’s. In 1913, the Pennsylvania Game Commission began to reintroduce Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone National Park and South Dakota. From 1923 – 1932 an elk hunting season was established, but then closed due to dwindling number of elk. By the 1970’s only about two dozen survived, due in large parts to a para-sitic brain worm infestation and crop control measures. Ralph Harrison, Dents Run, Elk County, is credited with saving Pennsylvania’s elk heard as a valuable component of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Harrison, a DCNR em-ployee, and elk enthusiast, helped to organize annual elk surveys and develop a plan for elk in the Elk State Forest. Through his early efforts, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, DCNR, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, other wildlife groups and private organizations, and now the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, Pennsylvania’s elk herd numbers over 900. A true example of public and private cooperation working toward a common goal.

In December of 2009 the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA), a non-profit 501(c)

(3) wildlife conservation organization was formed, headquartered in Benezette, PA, the heart of Pennsylvania’s Elk Country. KECA completes its mission via conservation educa-tion, habitat enhancement, habitat acquisition, partnering with land and wildlife management agencies, and funding an endowment for the long-term viability of the Elk Country Visitors Center (ECVC). All of the funds raised stay in Pennsylvania for the elk herd, conservation education and the Elk Country Visitor Center. Headed up by CEO and President, Rawley Cogan, and a very committed board of direc-tors and volunteers, KECA partnered with DCNR and opened the Elk Country Visitor Center in September 2010. Last year approxi-mately 220,000 visitors came to see the magic of the bugling elk and learn about the elk.

This year, a group of us, who have all our lives hunted, fished hiked, visited or even lived in PA elk country formed the Lenape Wapiti Chapter. As the Indians before us, we are the people that inhabit the woodlands surrounding the Delaware River and embrace a love for Pennsylvania; it’s forest, waters and wildlife.

One important aspect of KECA’s mission is conservation education, which is being fulfilled with the ECVC in Benezette and our new distance learning program. The ECVC opened in September 2010 and has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people from 48 states and many other counties. The ECVC consists of a state of the art 4-D theatre, inter-active education programs, elk viewing, horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides and much more.

KECA chapters host annual fundraising banquets to help raise funds to keep the ECVC growing and educating people every day about elk in Pennsylvania and the conservation of wildlife in elk country, in addition to conserv-ing elk habitat and growing our elk country endowment.

The ongoing expense of staffing and op-erating the visitor center, distance learning programs in schools, and habitat enhancement fall back on KECA. KECA will be holding their first fundraising banquet at the beautiful Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Saturday, April 6, 2013, and we hope to see you there.

Contact Martin Snyder for Banquet and Ticket Information at [email protected].

Also check out experienceelkcountry.com and elkcountryvisitorcenter.com

Community Unites in Spirit and Resource in Support of Local

Family that Suffered LossThis past August, a two vehicle acci-

dent in Warwick, PA claimed the life of Quakertown resident Mike Romeo leaving behind his wife Deb , two 9 year old and one 7 year old son. Mike, an avid and well-known race car driver and active com-munity member was just 39.

A fundraising event was staged in January by friends and community mem-bers to help support the family he left behind. The morning food and beverage event was held at McCoole’s Restaurant on Main Street in Quakertown. With the help of Jan Hench, owner of McCoole’s, Mark and Shelby Miller of PA Roofing and Siding, John & Chrissy Williams, George Blobe of ORE Rentals, Michael Bonomo Dentistry, Trinity 23 (a youth group of young men and women) and their parents,

Quakertown Youth Wrestling, and many others, the event was publicized, staffed, and set into motion.

Over 300 people from the community attended the breakfast raising over $3000 for the family in the process. One of the men who brought this ‘coming together of souls’ to our attention here at the Free Press was awestruck at the outpouring of support both in manpower and attendance. The proceeds by far exceeded the cost of admission and the physical presence of so many caring individuals has gone far to healing the family’s emotional and financial wounds. They have also gone far to inspir-ing many of the young and old involved in the project, either as patrons or workers, to the beauty and benefit of giving to and caring for others.


WILLIAM K. UMSTEAD, 77, of Quakertown died January 29 in Quakertown Center Genesis Health Care.

RUTH A. KENNEDY, 91, of Telford, previously of Center Valley, died Jan. 29 in LifeQuest, Quakertown. She was the widow of Wentworth D. Kennedy. She worked in the clothing industry as a seamstress for many years before retiring. She was a member of the Berean Bible Church, Pottstown. Surviving are step-sons, Dennis, wife Vicki, Quakertown, Don, wife Pat, Breinigsville; daughter, Holly Germain, husband John, Three Rivers, Mass; 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren

RUTH M. JOHNSON, 91, of Quakertown died January 30 in Quakertown Center Genesis Health Care. She was the wife of the late Raymond Johnson. Before retiring, she owned and operated the former Ruth’s Beauty Shop in Quakertown. She is survived by a son, Michael J. (Rosanne) of Quakertown; a daughter, Nancy L. Sanders of Doylestown; two sisters-in-law, Esther Peischel and Minnie Scholl (John); five grandchildren, Jay Sanders (Stephanie), Joshua Sanders (Kelly), Evan Johnson, Sean Johnson, and Caitlin Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Grayson Sanders.

EMILY M. “EMMY” ANDERSON, 47, of Quakertown, died Jan. 31 at home. She was the wife of Robert Anderson. Surviving with her husband and mother, sisters, Susan Donner, husband Robert, of Lehighton & Audrey, Allentown; brother, William , Jr. Sellersville; 8 nieces & nephews.

SHAWN KRISTOPHER JEWELL, 34, of Coopersburg, died unexpectedly as a result of an accident Friday Feb. 1 in Coopersburg. He was the husband of Jaelieth “Jae” (Follweiler) Jewell, celebrating 10 years of marriage this May. Shawn was a devoted, loving father to his 7 year old daughter including her in all of his activities. Surviving with wife and parents; Daughter, Devon; Sisters, Beth Jewell of DuBois, Jenny LeBlanc and husband Mike of Norwalk, CT, Amy McGreevy and husband Evan of Pittsburgh; Paternal Grandmother, Betty Jewell of DuBois.

RANDY J. LEGO, 40, of Quakertown died February 1 in Manor Care Montgomeryville. Born in Lansdale, he was the son of Gene Lego, Sr. and the late Jane D. (Stout) Lego. In addition to his father, he is survived by his sib-lings Gene Jr., Howard, Kimberly, Kathleen, and Lurleen.

CONCETTA “JENNIE” ROSSI, 96, of Quakertown died Februaary 4 at the hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke’s Bethlehem. She was the wife of Anthony P. Rossi. They were married 72 years in October. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Daniel R. (Sharon) of Bethlehem and Anthony R. (Karen) of Quakertown; her brother Carmen DiFrancesco of Coopersburg; two grandchil-dren, Jason (Diana) and Justin (Amy); four great-grandchildren, Lucas, Alexa, Lorenzo, and Ryan. Predeceased by two sisters, Minnie Calabrette and Dee Zukowski.

KENNETH J. MILLER, 55, of Quakertown, died February 5 in Life Quest Nursing Home, Quakertown. He was the husband of Patricia L. (Calvert) Miller. They would have celebrated 10 years of marriage this coming March 13. He was a wonderful dad and a patient husband. Surviving with his wife and parents are sons Sean Kenneth L. Miller at home, David Miller; daughter, Melissa Barrett; brother Gary Miller; sister Donna Miller and a dog, Trixie. He was pre-deceased by a daughter Lori Miller.

KATHLEEN RYAN, 63, of Perkasie, for-merly of St. Augustine, FL, died February 6 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. She was the wife of Raymond Yoder. Born in Long Island, NY, she was the daughter of the late Hugh & Catherine (McFarland) Ryan. She is survived by daughter Sarah Siginano of San Antonio, TX, brother Hugh Ryan, II of St. Augustine, Fl, and sister Peggu Burgis of Plano, TX.

SYLVIA CRESSMAN, 73, of Quakertown died February 6 in her home. She was the wife of Maynard Cressman. They were mar-ried nine years last September. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of the Melody Lakes Square Dancing club, and Upper Saucon Squares and Rounds. Sylvia was a member of Trinity Great Swamp UCC in Spinnerstown for over 50 years and a member of the Fellowship Committee. In ad-dition to her husband, she is survived by her son, David Myers of Spinnerstown and two daughters, Joanne Hippeli of Spinnerstown and Robin Myers of Quakertown. Three broth-ers, Keith Raffell of North Carolina, Joseph Raffell of North Carolina, and Jeffrey Raffell of Delaware. Three sisters, Mary Jane Clune of Coplay, Roberta Cebenka of Maryland, and Christine Mohr of Nazareth. Two stepdaugh-ters, Candace Peterson of Quakertown and

Shandra Kee of Florida. Six grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Ben.

ANTOINETTE KELLER, 57, of Philadelphia, an avid animal lover and volunteer at animal rescues and shelters, died February 7, in Bethlehem. Born in Philadelphia, daugh-ter of the late Edward and Genevieve (Kasper) Fidell. Surviving, sons, Edward Hickman, George Keller, III, and Daniel Keller; daugh-ter, Kelly Rostick; brother, Thomas Fidell; sister, Susan Murphy; 7 grandchildren.

DOROTHY V. LECHOWICZ, 89, of Quakertown, formerly of Shenandoah Heights, died February 7 in Geand View Hospital , Sellersville. She was the wife of the late Edmund Lechowicz, who died in 2003. Her greatest joy in her later life was her three great-grandchildren and pet schnauzer, Zoe. Dorothy is survived by a daughter, Elaine A. Taylor (Robert) of Quakertown; two grandchildren, James C. Taylor (Stacey) of State College and Wendy T. Sergi (Philip) of Quakertown; three great-grandchildren, Paisley and Nicholas Taylor and Sarah Sergi. She was predeceased by her brother, Leonard Lewsick.

PAUL R. RUSH, 87, of Springtown died February 7 in Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, IL. He was the husband of Esther (Fretz) Rush. They celebrated their 62nd an-niversary last October. Paul served in the US Army during World War II and was a mem-ber of the Quakertown American Legion Post #242. In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Heck, and her hus-band, John; two granddaughters, Kerin (Isaac) Sancken and Lauren (Salvatore) Bucaro; two great-granddaughters, Emily and Ava; and nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his son, Kurt; brothers, Merritt, Philip, and Earl; and sisters Virginia and Charlotte.

LEONARD ARNOLD, 79, of Allentown died Thurs. Feb. 8 in LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown. He was the loving hus-band of the late Katherine (Rogers) Arnold.He served in the US Army.Surviving: sons Steve Sr., (Deb Dull), Coopersburg, Dave, Allentown, James, (Keely Nye), Allentown, and Tim, (Linda), Quakertown; brother Richard, Bethlehem; sisters Jean Campiotti, Steel City, Gertrude Steinbach,(Joseph) & Jane Lenner, (John), both Bethlehem; Step-sisters, Carol Martin, Georgia, Lori Arnolds (Jeff), Pennsburg; Step-brother, Dwayne Carpenter, Perkasie; 8 grandchildren.

HAROLD “BUD” BENDER, 81, of Milford Square died February 14 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Quakertown Campus. He was the husband of Blanche (Maniscalco) Bender. They were married 56 years last March. He was a member of the former Milford Township Lions Club, where he served as past president and secretary. He was a US Navy veteran serving during the Korean War. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Kyle and Brian and his wife, Judy; a stepson, Anthony Braccia; and his brother, Robert; two grandchildren, Stacy and Bren; one great-granddaughter, Asia. He was predeceased by his brother, Leroy.

EARL T. SCHAFFER, 90, of Quakertown died February 18 in Independence Court, Quakertown. He was the husband of the late Leona M. (McCarthy) Schaffer. Earl was a Sergeant in the US Army during WWii, serv-ing in 236 Engineer Combat Battalion. He is survived by his children, William and his wife, Jean, of Coopersburg; Judith Jones and her husband, Bruce, of Green Lane; Richard and his wife, Barbara, of Hellertown; and Jerry and his wife, Diane, of Zionsville. Two sis-ters, Mae Csondor and Irella Bielicki, both of Quakertown. Eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by five brothers and five sisters.

RUTH IRENE CLEMMER, 87, of Quakertown died February 18 in Independence Court, Quakertown. She was the wife of the late Walter W. Clemmer. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah L. Nace and her husband, Gary, of Quakertown; her brother Charles and his wife, Elaine; and his sister Grace Strunk, all of Quakertown. Two grandchildren, Trevor of Lansdale and Travis and his wife, Helen, of Fairfax, VA. She was predeceased by four brothers: Donald, Robert, LeRoy, Raymond, and a sister, Dorothy Diehl.

WILLIAM H. DECKER, 86, of Quakertown formerly of Newtown, died February 19 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Gloria J. (Aikens) Maucher Decker. William was a U.S. Navy & Coast Guard during WW II. In addi-tion to his wife he is survived by a daughter Marjorie Decker, a sister Bette Brucker, three step daughters Judy Betker, Cheryl Maucher, Denise Harris. Eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren.

~Obituaries~

QUAKERTOWNAamco

A-Plus Mini MarketBottom Dollar Foods

Beer CityBrick’s Sales

Classic StaffingChick Fil-A

Downtown DogsEarl Bowl Lanes

First Niagara BankFirst Savings Bank

Frank’s Pizza The Free Press Bldg.Giant (Qtwn Plaza)The Grundy House

Hampton InnHoliday Inn

Independence CourtJames Michener Library

John’s Plain & FancyLiberty Thrift Store

McDonaldsMelody Lakes

Philly Soft Pretzel FactoryQuaker Cleaners

Quakertown Family RestaurantQNB Bank

Quaker CleanersRedner’s Market

Roma PizzaSal’s Pizza Randa

Seven-ElevenSine’s 5 & 10SNAP Fitness

Spinnerstown HotelSt. Luke’s Hospital

Swann’s PantryTom’s Help Desk

Upper Bucks Sr. CenterUpper Bucks SPCAUpper Bucks YMCA

Upper Bucks ChamberWells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts

TRUMBAUERSVILLEBorough Hall

Fino’s La CantinaSpor’s General Store

SELLERSVILLEA & N Diner

Grandview HospitalHidden Meadows

Roy Ann DinerSuelke’s Roadstand

Village Market

PERKASIEDam Good Cafe

Emil’s DinerFirst United Methodist

Giant Food MarketsLandis Food Markets

Mirage Hair SalonOlde Towne Convenience

StorePennridge Chamber

Pierce LibraryQNB Bank

Revivals Restaurant

TELFORDGrundy Manor

Indian Valley LibraryLandis Supermarket

Lisa’s Pizza

SOUDERTONCare & Share Shoppes

GenerationsMain Street Java

Mr. B’sQNB Bank

Vincent’s Pizza

COOPERSBURGCoopersburg DinerGiant Food Markets

The Inside ScoopQNB Bank

Turkey Hill Minit MarketWeis Markets

SILVERDALEDetlan Equipment

Green Street Barber Shop

HARLEYSVILLEHenning’s Market

Landis Supermarket

Also available at lots of other high traffic locations between

here and there.Have a suggestion for a place

you’d like to see the Free Press? E-mail [email protected].


Did you know that there are approximately 270,000 species of flowers? Honeybees prefer yellow and blue ones.

Cheri Hutchinson Freeh Elected to Bucks County SPCA Board of DirectorsThe Bucks County SPCA announced today

that Cheri Hutchinson Freeh, CPA, CGMA has been elected to serve a one year term on its board of directors, effective immediately.

Said Freeh, “I am honored to serve on the Bucks County SPCA’s board of directors. It is a privilege to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to protecting animals’ rights and helping them move on to loving homes. I look forward to doing my part to advance and share its mission.”

Freeh is a principal with Hutchinson, Gillahan and Freeh, P.C., a public account-ing firm in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and she has over thirty years of experience in the field. She was recently named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting” in the United States by CPA Practice Advisor in conjunction with the American Society of Women Accountants. She serves on the governing council of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and on the board of directors of First Savings, and she is the vice-chair of the board of trustees of St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Quakertown Hospital. She is the immediate past president of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and has been active with the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Upper Bucks Chamber Foundation, the Quakertown Alive Main Street Organization, the Bucks County Community College Accounting Advisory Board, and the Bucks County Estate Planning Council. She is regularly consulted by leg-islators and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue regarding tax law and policy issues. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a specializa-tion in accounting from Thomas Edison State

College. Freeh has volunteered with Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue and has served as a foster home for both Brookline and the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. She lives in Richlandtown with a 14-year-old, se-verely arthritic, blind, and partially deaf black Labrador retriever named Casey who was once her foster dog and a 12-year-old, deaf, one eyed, and dermatologically-challenged chocolate Labrador retriever named Barney whom she recently adopted from the Bucks County SPCA.

“We are pleased to welcome Cheri to our board of directors,” commented Bucks County SPCA Board President Marcia G. Hill. “Her

passion for animals and dedication to our mis-sion make her a natural fit for our board and will strengthen our ability to improve the lives of animals in our community.”

For more information on the Bucks County SPCA, please visit www.bcspca.org.

submitted by beth kittrell

Are Hearing Aids Covered By Insurance?

This is one of the two most common ques-tions I have encountered in twenty-seven years of private practice. The other question is, “How long do the batteries last?”

To answer the main question, I call upon my experience with a friend of mine who has been an attorney for many years. That answer is, “Agreed in part; denied in part.”

For the most part, general commercial in-surance carriers do not cover hearing aids, repairs, earmolds, or batteries. Almost everyone holds the notion or has been mis-informed by an ‘expert’ friend that Medi-care covers hearing aids. It is a fact that Medicare does NOT cover hearing aids or anything associated with hearing aids, PE-RIOD! If Medicare did cover any portion of the cost, it would be a wonderful and wel-come benefit for every policyholder.

For the everyday common insurance car-riers with their standard over-the-counter fare of individual, family, and group policy offerings, hearing aids are not covered.

However, there are a few health insur-ance policies that do cover hearing aids or at least a partial reimbursement. For an individual with Medicare benefits and has assigned those benefits through Keystone 65, an individual policyholder reimburse-ment is available for $500 every thirty-six calendar months. Another major carrier used to provide an $800 policyholder re-imbursement but ceased the benefit in late 2009. That carrier now refers policyholders to a network for discount hearing aids. The discounted price is more than the regular selling price in my practice and with greatly reduced personalized service.

Some union plans cover part of the cost of amplification or either one or two devices in full. Kelsey-Hayes (former known as Heintz Manufacturing), Steamfitters Local, Operat-ing Engineers, Budd Company, Carpenters

Union, Screen Actors Guild, United Federa-tion of Teachers, and many more. There were a multitude of union plans available for the worker, retiree, dependent or surviving spouse, and dependent child. With the eco-nomic changes evolving in health, labor, in-dustry with respect to costs, these hearing aid plans and other specialty riders to the policies have diminished.

Other employers such as institutions of higher learning and corporations without union coverage provide for hearing aids. These entities fund specific enhanced health benefits for the employees to take advan-tage. The corporations would rather pay a portion of their profits for these ‘nuggets’ rather than hold the money and pay a higher tax rate. By paying for the special coverage, the employer legally avoids paying more in taxes and the employee realizes the value of their service and loyalty.

The first step for you is to contact your health and benefits representative for in-formation regarding hearing aid coverage. Next, a call to the member services number listed on your insurance card will verify cur-rent coverage for dollar amount, percentage of covered cost, how often your benefit is available for use, deductible or co-pay re-quired, and proper coding for disbursement. Once you have acquired that information, with a printed copy in hand, see an audi-ologist and get your hearing checked today. There is no time like the present to hear bet-ter. What are you waiting for?mr. murphy has had a bilaeral mild-to-moderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all of his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. mr. murphy has been in practice in pennsylvania since receiving his master of education in audiology from the university of virginia in the spring of 1987. mr. murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related nationaland international organizations and can be reached at [email protected] and by phone at 215-804-1111.


Trinity Great Swamp Church9150 Spinnerstown RoadSpinnerstown215-679-7710 [email protected] www.tgsucc.orgPastor: David R. Ellis / Matt GorkosSunday worship services 8am (communion first Sunday of the month) and 10:30am. 9:15 Sunday School classes for all ages (Pre-K thru Adult) and family activities.

Reflections on Saints Patrick and Joseph

Growing up in Chicago, one of the largest Irish cities in the world, you can understand that St. Patrick’s Day was a big day in my family. Knowing that my mother was half Irish, you can understand that I ate a lot of corned beef and potatoes on March 17th. My father, who was Swedish, mostly, even went so far as to wear a button that read “Honorary Irishman” on the big day.

Beyond the food and the parade, though, we actually took time to remember the man himself, Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought the gospel to the pagan folk of Ireland, the man who gave us the wonder-ful image of the Trinity as a shamrock, the man who wrote the beautiful hymn known as St Patrick’s Breastplate (a baptismal hymn without equal, in my opinion), a man of cour-age and faith who took the Word of God to a hostile place with great success.

We saw St. Patrick’s Day as more than a day for green beer and the Chicago River dyed green. We saw it as a holy day, a day to re-member a great man of faith, who could be an inspiration to us in our lives of faith. I wonder how many of us today, myself included, can say that?

But there was more. My mother was also half Sicilian (Chicago is also a heavily Italian/Sicilian city – no mafia jokes, please), which meant March 19th was also a day of celebra-tion for us. Why the 19th? It’s the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Sicily. Which meant we ate a lot of spaghetti, meatballs, and Italian sausage, plus fresh baked bread and cannoli and cookies – yum!

But again, it also meant that we took time to think about Joseph, the husband of Mary, the adoptive father of Jesus. As much as I celebrate Patrick, I have always had a special place in my faith for Joseph (being an adoptive father myself certainly feeds into that, now). Joseph is the perfect model of obedient faith. When told by the angel to marry his pregnant (not by him) fiancé Mary, because the child is from God and will be holy and the salvation

of the world, he doesn’t even hesitate, he just says yes to God and gets on with it.

This would have been a terribly difficult thing to do, especially in a small town where everybody “knew” what was going on. But Joseph just listened to God, believed God, and then obeyed God. He raised Jesus as his own son, no doubt teaching him not only carpentry, but also faith, and love for God and the neigh-bor. Joseph played a key role in raising Jesus as a child of faith and a child of God.

Growing up, we saw St. Joseph’s day as a holy day, too, a day to remember Joseph, the faithful descendant of David who becomes the adoptive father of the Son of God. The faith of Joseph became a model of faith for my family, and for me, personally.

Now, what’s really neat in all of this, is that both of these holy days fall during the holy season of Lent, the period of time leading us up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Lent is a time for us to reflect on our faith, reflect on our sin, reflect on what God has done for us in Jesus Christ, and, in reflecting, see the need for repentance, for a radical reorienting of our lives towards the ways of God and away from the ways of sin that seek to turn us away from God.

And to help us do that, we have the examples of Patrick and Joseph, two courageous men of faith who lived out that radical reorientation, who committed their lives to following God, who put faith in God into concrete action, Patrick by going among the Irish to preach the gospel, even when it meant risk to himself, and Joseph by taking on the awesome task of becoming the adoptive father of Jesus.

Both of these saints followed God when oth-er, safer, more popular options were there for them. Both of these saints gave their lives to God when they could have chosen other paths. Both of these saints embraced the message of Lent – return to the Lord your God – and now both of these saints are there for us, as ex-amples, as witnesses, to guide us, in Lent, and throughout the whole year.

Christ Lutheran Church1 Luther Lane • PO Box 569Trumbauersville, PA 18970215-536-3193Pastor: Carolann Hopke9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church

Grace Bible Fellowship Church1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N.Quakertown, PA 18951215-536-6096 [email protected]: Ron Kohl, Sr. PastorHours Sept - May are 9:00am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10 Morning Worship Service, 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Sundays are small groups, 6:30pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays: Evening Worship hour

Good News Church424 Juniper StreetQuakertown, PA 18951215-536-4393 www.gnciv.orgPastor: David Mackey, Jr.Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly,Bible-based, Christ-centered, Spirit-led

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church2966 Old Bethlehem PikeZionhill, PA 18981215-536-7288 [email protected]: James SaboeSunday School all ages 9:00am, Worship services 10:15am, We at Zion invite all to worship and fellowship with us.

Evangel Assembly of God401 Arch StreetPerkasie, PA 18944215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.orgPastor: Rev. Gary SaulWhere God’s Love Changes Lives

MorningStar Moravian Church234 S. Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036610-282-1908 [email protected]: Lance FoxSunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.

Good Shepherd Church(Episcopal)1634 Hilltown PikeHilltown, PA 18927215-536-3193Pastor: Harper Turney10:00am Sunday Eucharist

St. John’s Lutheran Church4 South Main StreetRichlandtown, PA [email protected] www. sjrpa.orgPastor: Susan SosninSunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church3668 Ridge RoadPerkasie, PA [email protected] www.kellerschurch.orgPastor: Robert E. MitmanWorship 7:45 & 10:15am, Sunday School 9:00am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30am, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday

Emmanuel Episcopal Church560 S. Main StreetQuakertown, PA [email protected] www.emmanuelquakertown.orgSunday services at 8am and 11amVisitors and new members always welcome!

Church of the Incarnation(Anglican-Episcopal)44 S. 8th StreetQuakertown, PA [email protected] www.IncarnationQuakertown.orgPastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. KleppingerTraditional worship, Biblical faithSunday 10:30am, Wednesday 10:00am

First United Methodist Church501 Market StreetPerkasie, PA [email protected] [email protected]: Steward WarnerOur mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, Have a posi-tive impact on our community and world.


Writing Books For All Ages

I always say if the books I review contain bad language or graphic violence. There are a lot of books meant for “middle grade” readers that have things in them that parents might not like. I have also found a lot of “young adult” books that are fine for younger kids to read.

Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is one of my favorite series. The story and writing are incredible! It has everything, action, excite-ment, good guys, evil villains, aliens, robots, and it is totally appropriate for young kids to read because there is no bad language or graphic violence.

The author of the Jack Blank series, Matt Myklusch, agreed to answer some questions I had about writing stories that are good for all ages.

Erik: When you wrote the Jack Blank series, did you make sure you wrote it to be appropri-ate for all ages or did it just come out that way?

Matt Myklusch: I wanted the book to be appropriate for all ages, but I think there is some confusion about that term. People hear “all ages,” and they think, “Okay, that’s for kids.” Not true. “All ages” means ALL ages. Everybody. The real win for me is a story that both a child and parent will both love. The Harry Potter series and most of the Pixar movies are great examples of this. That’s my goal— to create worlds that people of all ages want to visit, and characters that every-one wants to follow. It’s not easy. You have to make the story tough enough for the older crowd, and light enough for the younger audi-ence. Dwelling on that fine line for too long can paralyze your creativity as a writer, so I keep the rules simple when working: Rule 1: Watch your language. Rule 2: When it comes to the action, go with what feels right for this story. Rule 3: That’s it. Start writing already.

Erik: Did you ever get to a point in the sto-ries you wrote where you thought it was going to get too violent or creepy for kids to read?

Matt Myklusch: The nice thing about writing fantasy books like the Jack Blank Adventures is that you can rig the game when it comes to stuff like this. There is plenty of

action and fighting in all three books, but it doesn’t get bloody because of who the bad guys are. The main villains, the Rüstov, are cybernetic parasites that take over people’s bodies and steal their life force to stay alive. Their victims turn into scrap-metal covered zombies who bleed oil and coolant. When one of the Rüstov falls in battle, you don’t feel too bad for them. I have a few villains like that in the story. I’ve got soulless, undead ninjas that bleed black sand (the Ronin). I’ve got monsters who are made from dirt and mud (the Gravens). There are lots of bad guys for my heroes to cut loose on and kill without feeling the least bit guilty. If you get really creative, you can have an all-out, no holds barred, life or death battle that is a totally bloodless affair.

Erik: The characters in your book, Jack Blank and Stendeval, especially, are just awe-some. They have fights and talk tough but don’t curse or do unnecessary violence. Do you personally think the characters would have been more “authentic” if you had them curse or go over-the-top with violence or are there cases that you think you may write like that?

Matt Myklusch: It’s funny to worry about authenticity and realism in a story that has alien zombies and superheroes, but I do give that a lot of thought when writing. I try to make everything the characters do and say seem be-lievable, given who they are and the situation they are in. Cursing or over-the-top violence doesn’t get you there. Knowing your charac-ters inside and out does. They all have to have their own vocabulary, opinions, hopes, fears, dreams, prejudices, and more. If you know all that stuff as the writer (even if most of it never makes it onto the page), you will know how the characters will react to any situation. What’s more, you are more likely to keep their personalities and motivations consistent throughout the story. That’s what makes them feel like real people.

Erik: Thank you Mr. Myklusch! to learn more about the Jack blank series

and mr. myklusch, please visit Jackblank.com. for more reviews, please visit my website at thiski-dreviewsbooks.com.

Children’s Developmental Program Proudly AttainsKeystone STAR 4 Status

Our children are our greatest resource; we need to make sure we give them the opportu-nity to

learn so they can reach their promise.Children’s Developmental Program is a

Keystone STAR 4 program because we believe that quality early education is key to our chil-dren’s future success in school and in life.

Keystone STARS is a state-funded voluntary program that promotes quality in child care, PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs. Programs earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 rat-ing based on quality standards for teachers, classrooms, and program management. As programs meet higher standards, they earn more STARS.

Through Keystone STARS, programs can provide new learning materials, books and toys for children, and help teachers get more education and college degrees to provide a bet-ter education for our young children, without

significantly higher costs to families.For information on Keystone STARS, visit

Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website at: www.paprom.convio.net/Keystone_STARS.

Children’s Developmental Program is a community preschool and early intervention center which operates under the philosophy that all children should be given the opportu-nity to develop to their fullest potential.

CDP is located at 995 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951. Infant, toddlers and preschool children are serviced in Upper Bucks County and surrounding communities. Early intervention services for children ages birth to 5 yrs. Include speech therapy, physi-cal therapy, occupational therapy, and special instruction. Child Care and preschool services are also provided for all children ages birth to 5 yrs. CDP’s phone number is 215-536-7800. The center’s hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

American Legion Post 242 News

March is not a very active month for most group and personal activities. Here at Post 242 you will find us busy in such areas as pre-paring for our annual Memorial Day Parade and Services at the Park on Mill Street and at our Post on East Broad Street. Our Home Association is scheduled to have “Weekend Specials” and we urge you to check out our sign in front of the Post and enjoy the festivities.

Are you having a Special Event of your own? We have facilities available for either 50 or 75 people at a very reasonable reduced rental fee; call the Post at 215-538-0747 for someone who can give you more information on rates and availability.

Our Youth Program is very important to us.

We recently asked the schools for students to compete in an Oratory contest and received NO names for our area. It was a shame that the largest Post (ours) in the local Legion District did not have a student representative. As a side note, when I attended school in the 50’s through 1961, our school had a very active Debate Team and Public Speaking Program and there would have certainly been many stu-dents wanting to participate in such a program as this. How times have changed!

We do sponsor students in various camps as we can afford from our youth program budget. We once again urge students to check at their schools or at our Post 242 for information on these opportunities. A popular camp involves the Pennsylvania State Police Youth Week.

In closing we urge you to take advantage of these youth activities offered at Post 242.


Krupp Site Park Plans Progressing Apace

The idea of what to do with the site of the old Krupp Foundry along Mill Street in Quakertown has been simmering for quite a few years. Quakertown borough donated seven acres of the original site for the Bucks County Free Library’s Quakertown Branch which sits at the corner of Mill and Fourth Streets. The remaining twelve acres, seven of which are in Richland Township, has been vacant for years.

Cathy Gillahan, chairwoman of the Krupp site property committee, is excited that the empty land bordered by the railroad tracks and Fourth Street will be transformed into a park for residents and visitors to enjoy. Current plans include an amphitheater/ band shell, a butterfly garden, gazebo, a walking path, a water feature, and even restroom facilities.

“It’s going to be quite cool,” said Gillahan. “This will be Quakertown’s only ‘passive park.’ It will be relaxing place for people to use. We’ll have the garden that should attract birds and butterflies. There will be a gazebo and benches for people to sit and enjoy being outside.” Gillahan en-visions that the gazebo as a place to tempt library patrons to bring books outside for a little reading time in the fresh air as well as perhaps a photo op setting for wedding parties.

While Quakertown’s Memorial Park of-fers various sports fields, the pool facility, tennis courts, Gillahan says that the idea of a passive park would offer a place “for every-one, families, seniors, people of all ages to go and relax and be at peace with nature.” The park will also be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant to allow for more people to have access.

It’s been almost a year since the commit-tee was awarded a little over $330,000 from Bucks County for open space funding. To

keep that money for the Krupp site, the proj-ect needs to break ground and begin work on the new park by the end of this year. The new 12-acre park’s entrance will be via Fourth Street and bordered by the railroad tracks on the east side and the treeline at the north. While a portion of the park lies in Richland Township, the borough owns the entirety of the site.

Gillahan says that including the grant money from the county, the committee has raised about $800,000 of the estimated $1.5 million needed to complete the park. She is very hopeful that the park project will receive further grant money, perhaps $250,000, from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The committee is seeking both corporate and private donations. Gillahan would like the community to be involved with the park project. “Individuals will be able to sponsor a bench long the walking path or a tree,” she said.

According to Julie Dechnik, Quakertown’s assistant borough manager, people will soon be able to donate to the project through the borough’s website. Online visitors to the site now can view the plans for the amphithe-ater/ band shell structure.

Quakertown Alive! manager Naomi Naylor is also excited to see this project progress. “The amphitheater is attractive and professionally engaging. With lawn seat-ing for approximately a thousand people, it can take music and entertainment in the area to a new level.” Naylor expects that hav-ing this new entertainment venue will attract more business for downtown Quakertown. Plus, she adds that the central location will make Quakertown “more walkable, more pedestrian-friendly” as well as a more at-tractive destination spot. Visitors who may come for events at the park will find that Quakertown has much to offer. This will be a big boost to the continuing revitalization of Quakertown.”

Richland Township Fire & Rescue members Charlie Barker and James I. McIlvaine took us up on the Free Press Paper Drive by loading up one of the Fire Company’s trucks to the brim with several hundreds of pounds of waste paper left over from the former printing operation at our building. The Fire Company raises funds by filling their paper recycling dumpsters with paper. Great work guys! Next time let’s pick a time when the publisher is out of town. :^) photo by christopher betz

Have Paper, Will Travel

After a long battle with Cushings Disease, Casey the Wonder Dog was laid to rest on February 6th, 2013. She was just shy of her 15th birthday. She succumbed to liver cancer. Casey was of the Lhasa Apso breed, a magnificent lady .

Casey leaves behind her devoted parents, Jackie and Pat Murphy, and her little sister Coco. She was predeceased by Coco 1, her big sister.

Casey was adopted at the age of three months and spent her summers on the Outer Banks. She was originally from Doylestown and has resided in Richland the past 12 years. She will be remembered as the alarm clock of Grey Fox Circle as well as the ‘all is well’ night watch.

The family wishes to thank the groomers at Groomin’ Tales in Quakertown and the vets at Doylestown Medical Animal Clinic for their love and care over these past 14 plus years. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. Please donate to your favorite animal charity and remember an adopted dog is a forever dog.

In Loving Memory of our Adopted Companion


Tulip bulbs can be used in place of onions for cooking.

Matthew Hardner, of Perkasie, was named to Susquehanna University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester. The dean’s list rec-ognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for the semester. To qualify, students must

complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.Hardner, a senior information systems

major, is a 2009 graduate of Pennridge High School. He is the son of Robert and Janet Hardner.

Pennridge Grad Named to Susquehanna University

Dean’s List


It has come to my attention that keeping harmony in a family of dogs is not different then keeping harmony in a family with chil-dren. When dogs are placed on a set schedule of eating, sleeping, exercise, and potty chores it makes for a more content dog. The body isn’t stressed, so the dog isn’t stressed. This will work for human children too. Regular meal times and sleep times will help children be alert and less grumpy. This is especially important on school days. Children may act like they don’t want rules but trust me… they do. It shows you care and that they are impor-tant. Don’t forget when your child, (or dog) come to you with something they need help with or are proud of, you should drop every-thing and PAY ATTENTION!!! These simple rules will make the family run smoother in the long run. That’s the secret to our large family. Caring and Sharing about each other BEFORE we think of ourselves. It won’t be long before it will be second nature to you. A

life with structure is a productive life. This message was inspired by our wonderful pastor

at church. By the way, I was hoping to see more of my readers when I did door greet-ing at church on Feb. 17th. That’s okay, I forgive you. See…That’s ANOTHER lesson I learned at Church. Forgiveness. Love and Happy Easter to ALL. Love M.J. (This is my best Easter Bunny disguise)

Consistency and Structure

Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue’s mission to save the lives of animals in need was given a big boost courtesy of grants from the ASPCA.

The ASPCA awarded Last Chance Ranch a $2,000 grant as one of the winners of the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge photo contest. Last Chance Ranch’s entry featured the story of Sebastian, a dog found injured on the side of a road. Last Chance Ranch took him in, cared for his injuries and he found his forever home with volunteer Laura Sobolusky. This grant helped alleviate the cost of attending the 2012 Society of Animal Welfare Administrators Conference.

Additionally, Last Chance Ranch’s role in a 15 horse humane seizure led to the ASPCA provid-ing a $7,500 grant to aid in offsetting the veterinary costs.

Through their participation in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, LCR increased their pet adoption rates during the three month span of the Challenge, placing almost 300 dogs and cats as well as horses, goats, guinea pigs, and more.

Last Chance Ranch is grateful for the ongoing support of the ASPCA and their innovative ideas that help the Quakertown-based animal rescue grow.

ALIEN AMADEUS

BABE BATMAN

CASABLANCA CASINO

CHINATOWN

CRASHFARGO

GANDHIGIANT

GOODFELLASJAWS

M*A*S*HNETWORK PAPILLONPLATOON PSYCHOROCKY

SPARTACUS

Last Chance Ranch Gets $2000 ASPCA Grant

Mentoring Program Gives Boost to

Local YouthAdolescents in foster care need men-

tors. “Many of the youth we serve have experienced abuse, neglect, and disappoint-ment and therefore have difficulty trusting adults,” said Jill Jackson, a mentoring spe-cialist for Tabor Services, Inc.

Designed to empower youth ages 16-21 who are preparing to leave the child welfare system, Mentoring Specialists, Rosaleen Holohan and Jackson work within Tabor’s Adolescent Initiative Program (AIP) to match with adult volunteers with youth in the mentoring program. The three-year-old Mentoring Program, funded through con-tract by Bucks County Children and Youth, has a direct impact on Upper Bucks youth as many who are placed in foster care have mentors through the program. “Mentoring helps youth in this region form healthy and lasting relationships with adults,” Jackson said.

Today, there are about 40 matches who go out for meals, to the movies, to the library, or shoot hoops, in an effort to introduce the youth to new ideas and experiences. There is a waiting list though ideally, every child would be paired with an adult men-tor. Jackson said, “Mentors serve as role models, assist youth with identifying future goals and provide respite from the stress of the youth’s life.” Occasionally, there are opportunities to go to Phillies games or to Dorney Park.

Preliminary research shows, according to the Federal Mentoring Council, that as an intervention strategy, “[high quality mentor-ing] has the potential to address risk among youth and to promote positive behaviors and attitudes.” While the council adds that re-

searchers “have not yet sufficiently distilled the specific impacts of mentoring alone from the impacts of the programs in which they take place, they have suggested that close, consistent, and enduring mentoring relation-ships are likely to have positive benefits.” The council suggests potential benefits of mentoring include:

• Better academic performance• Better school attendance• Positive attitudes• Decreased likelihood of initiating

drug and alcohol use• Decreased violent behavior• Linked to social-emotional devel-

opment benefits, improvements in youth perceptions of parental relationships, and better prospects for moving on to higher education.

Behind the scenes, Jackson interviews both new clients and volunteers, offering on-going support to both, recruits and trains volunteers, and acts as a liaison between volunteers and caseworkers. While all youth are referred through Bucks County Children & Youth, the Mentoring Program also in-teracts with NHS, Access Services, Child & Family Focus, Lenape Valley Foundation, Valley Youth House, Youth Services, New Life, Voice & Vision and any other organi-zations that provide services to the youth. “Mentoring,” Jackson said, “fosters safer communities and schools, and saves tax pay-ers money.”

To volunteer to become a mentor or for more information, call Tabor Services, AIP Mentoring Specialists at 215.348.4071 x 250 or x 263, or check the website at http://www.tabor.org and click “Read About Our Services.”


The Quakertown Band will perform its 136th Anniversary Concert on Sunday, March 10 at 2:30 pm. The theme of this year’s concert is “Around the World in 80 Minutes” as the audi-ence will experience about 80 minutes of music with an international flavor. The concert will be held at Strayer Middle School Auditorium, on Ronald Reagan Drive in Quakertown.

One country that will be visited through music will be Ireland as the band performs the beautiful Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymnsong by David Hollsinger. The work is performed in memory of former Quakertown Band member Alois Haidl, who passed away in November and of other deceased former members.

Another European country that will be represented is Norway, as the band plays the Valdres March (Norwegian: Valdresmarsjen) which is the most famous composition by Johannes Hanssen, written in 1904. While in Norway, the band will also perform Peer Gynt’s Nightmare (With Apologies to Grieg) Peer Gynt, is the incidental music to Henrik Ibsen’s 1867 play of the same name, written by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg in 1875. In the Hall of the Mountain King, Morning, Ase’s Death are among the tunes satirized in F. L. Buchtel’s arrangement from the band’s archives.

Next, the band will travel to Russia where they perform the Comedian’s Gallop by Dmitri Kabalevsky. This piece will feature J Bruce Walters on xylophone. Walters is a graduate of Pennridge High School and in now a percus-sion instructor for Central Bucks West High School.

Other European music will be the Official March of the Belgian Paratroopers by Pieter

Leemans from Belgium, the famous Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna overture by Franz von Suppe and selections from Les Miserables will represent the band’s trip to France.

The band leaves Europe as it travels to Egypt, where Aida by Guiseppe Verdi is first premiered. Next, they go to Asia where they perform Song of India by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tahiti Trot by Dmitri Shostakovich. In New Zealand, the band plays The Land of Moa - dedicated to the flightless birds that reside there.

Finally, the band will move to the Americas from which you will hear, Voodoo by Harold Walters and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, from Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Associate conductor, Al Zwart, will lead the band in Passages by Michael Sweeney, featuring an alto sax solo by Lynn Hasson, and lots of ethnic and lively drumming.

Kevin Greenwald is excited to have his newest work, Te Sittig Hin; A Work in Three Movements, performed by The Quakertown Band this spring in celebration of their 136th year of making music!

Greenwald is a local composer, arranger, and producer of modern classical music as well as electronic dance music. Greenwald studied music composition and music theory at the Pennsylvania State University. Believing that a composer’s music is an embodiment of the composer himself; Mr. Greenwald’s work, generally seeks to have a sort of quirky sense of humor interspersed with profound moments. Te Sittig Hin: A Work In Three Movements- Written between late August and early October of 2011, Te Sittig Hin is com-poser Kevin Greenwald’s newest piece for the

wind band format. Written in the tradition of “absolute music,” the piece depicts no specific story and exists purely for the sake of itself. While the complete work consists of three highly contrasting movements, you will hear two today: The “Lullaby,” (movement two), is lush and warm and evokes a sort of gentle innocence at times while drawing out grandeur and longing at others and the third movement, “War Games,” has an driving pulse modern compositional style. The title of the work over-all is derived from a cultural phrase of well wishes specific to an African tribe from the south eastern part of the continent. Basically translated it means “find the humor in life, and

you will live longer,” a phrase the composer felt fits this quirky modern art piece perfectly.

Audience members are sure to enjoy this whirlwind tour around the globe on Sunday, March 10th Strayer Middle School at 2:30pm. Admission is free. Donations to the band are accepted. Doors open at 2pm. Announcements and awards will precede the concert at 2:25. A citation from the office of State Senator, Bob Mensch, in recognition of the band’s 135th birthday will be among the presentations. Band member Randy Edelman will be honored for 45 years of service to the band. Other long time members will also be recognized.

Quakertown Band Plans 136th

Annual Concert

upper bucks free press • march 2013 edition

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